These Palawan Houses Are Rustic And Dreamy

Palawan was once called “the last frontier,” and in spite of the recent influx of tourists, it is still considered a tropical paradise. With its beaches and forested areas, the largest province in the country is an idyllic place to set up a vacation house, or a permanent home. Get some island-living ideas from these Palawan homes that have appeared in Real Living.

Build a tree house

IMAGE Ocs Alvarez

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

Architect Arlene Maslog created the perfect, playful family home in her husband Bong-Bong’s old family house from the 1960s. The tree house/playhouse completes the carefree vibe. Arlene had this made out of leftover wood, and added a swing because the kids didn’t have a swing in Manila.

Up-cycle in island colors

IMAGE Ocs Alvarez

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

Most of the furnishings, especially the Ambassador chairs in the living room, and the rattan and mid-century dining chairs in the kitchen, are pieces that came from Bong-Bong’s parents’ and grandparents’ homes. They were just refurbished and washed in a soft aqua color to update it.

Make the most of the outdoors

IMAGE Ocs Alvarez

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

The house came with a huge backyard, and instead of building another structure, Arlene filled the yard with vibrant Bandera Española blooms, where her children and some pet geese frolic in.

The downstairs area was supposed to be converted into a garage, but the owners decided otherwise, and created a covered lanai complete with Oriental yoke-back chairs.

Face the sea

IMAGE Ocs Alvarez

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

Wicker lounge chairs are set out near the red palms in the yard so that visitors can watch the sunset at Honda Bay.

Create a classic bahay kubo

IMAGE Ocs Alvarez

Instead of building the expected concrete house, the Banzuela family built a traditional bahay kubo within the clearing of their grove of mahogany trees. The classic bahay kubo structure fits perfectly into the laidback vibe of Puerto Princesa.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

Utilize Pinoy building methods

IMAGE Ocs Alvarez

The Banzuela bahay kubo looks simple on the outside, but is complex on the inside. “Experimental lahat ito,” explains Cristine Banzuela. “It took so long kasi labor-intensive.” The family even waited to find a bamboo pole with the right curved shape to make into the stair railing.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

Go all-natural

IMAGE Ocs Alvarez

The kubo has an octagonal plan and a large wooden post in the center that supports the thatched ceiling and roof, with intricately woven rattan joining each truss, column, and beam.